Stephen Ministry
Christ Caring for People Through People
"Love one another ... as I have loved you." John 13:34
Would you like to talk with a qualified person about a personal situation you are dealing with? Are you looking for a caring person to help you through a crisis? The Stephen Ministry program is a free and confidential service provided by Messiah Lutheran for people in need of care.
What is Stephen Ministry?
Stephen Ministry is a group of trained, caring people listening to and providing Support to those in need
A Stephen Minister is
• A child of God who walks beside a hurting person
• A caring Christian who really listens
• A member of our congregation who has received 50 hours of training in how to provide distinctively Christian care
• A person who is ready to focus on your needs
• A trustworthy confidant who will keep everything you say—and even your identity—confidential
• Someone who will faithfully meet with you on a weekly basis for as long as your need persists
A Stephen Minister is not
• A counselor or a therapist
• A problem solver
• Someone who run errands or helps with chores
• A casual visitor
A Stephen Minister Cares for those who are
• Facing hospitalization, a disability or the unknown
• Bereaved, lonely or depressed
• Transitioning into retirement
• Experiencing a spiritual crisis
• Terminally ill
• New to the congregation
• Unemployment or job crisis
• Soldiers or their family members
• Facing countless other crisis or life challenges or who are going through a difficult time and could benefit from the care of a supportive Christian friend
"Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion." Colossians 3:12
If you are interested in receiving care, or would like to refer someone for care, please contact us by filling out the form below or calling the church office at (763) 784-1786. Please get permission from the person whom you would like to refer before submitting their name to the program. This form will be submitted to Audrey Brutlag, the referrals coordinator, who will contact you to match you with a Stephen Minister who can meet your needs.
Your Stephen Leadership team:
Jennifer Skripka- Team Coordinator
Ed Graefe- Education Coordinator
Rita Faye Fisher- Education Coordinator
Audrey Brutlag- Referrals Coordinator
Linda Schwanbeck- Training Coordinator
Interested in becoming a Stephen Minister?
What does a Stephen Minister look like?
• Stephen Ministers are committed Christian people who express God’s love by helping others
• They receive 50 hours of initial training in important caring ministry skills and concepts
• They are commissioned as Stephen Ministers after completing their initial training
• They visit their care receiver regularly and offer Christian support and care.
• They participate in regular monthly meetings under the guidance of trained Stephen Leaders and continue to receive education and building their skills throughout their years of service, regardless of whether or not they have a care receiver.
• They are committed to preserving the confidential nature of the caring relationships
How do I become a Stephen Minister?
Contact Jennifer Skripka at Stephenleaders@gmail.com
Or call the church office at (763) 784-1786
Training Sessions are offered each fall. The classes are once a week for 2 hours. Topics include:
• Distinctively Christian Care
• Confidentiality
• Telecare
• Depression
• Divorce
• Hospitalization
• Losses related to Aging
• Death of a Loved One
• When to Use Mental Health Resources
• And much more!
Interested in leadership?
Open positions:
Publications coordinator
Facilitation Coordinator
Contact Jennifer Skripka at Stephenleaders@gmail.com
Or call the church office at (763) 784-1786
